This is a fool-proof recipe which I have shared with countless friends (almost 10 years old recipe). Ironically I have not prepared this cake in over 6 years now. I had moved on to baking muffins and cup cakes which were more on demand at home. I was baking this after so many years, so I felt half nervous and half excited. Also this was the first time I was baking a cake in a glass dish (Pyrex). So had to keep a constant watch on the cake to make sure it doesn't get burnt! The taste and appearance was simply too good. I just don't go in for decorating the cake as none of them at home will touch the cake if decorated. I would have to scrape off the decorations for them to eat it! So it just doesn't make any sense for me to decorate it, right? Another reason for me not to learn decorating basics ;) So here it is for my dear friend (as promised!) warm wishes for a very happy birthday!!

Ingredients -

Maida/All purpose flour 1 3/4 cupsBaking Soda - 1/4 tsp

Baking Powder 1 tsp

Condensed Milk 3/4 can (350 gms)(I used fat free)

Water 1/2 cup

Oil - 1/2 cup (Butter can be used instead)

Vanilla - 1/2 tsp

Method Of Preparation -

In a mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and baking soda.

In a different bowl, beat condensed milk and oil for about 2-3 min.

Pour into the flour mixture and mix well for about 5 min adding water if necessary. Mix in the vanilla essence too.

Preheat the oven to 325F. (As I was using a glass dish for baking. If it is non stick increase it to 350F)

In a greased and floured baking dish (I used 8 X 6 X 2 rectangular dish), pour the batter and bake until a tooth pick comes out clean. My cake was done in 43 min.